"It is interesting to contrast Empson's 'ambiguities' with New Criticism's 'paradox,' 'irony,' and 'ambivalence,'" (Eagleton 45).
"Paradox is a trope in which a statement that appears on the surface to be contradictory or impossible turns out to an often striking truth," (Hamilton 56).
Here I go again, looking up stuff I had already, supposedly, learned. I find my plight to be exemplary living proof that no matter how well a lesson is learned, in time, one will eventually be in need of a refresher course.
Looking at the phrase, "Less is more," which, by the definition appears contradictory, is really a true and upstanding moral. For example, if one indulges themselves over dinner by taking multiple helpings, they might be struck later with a case of indigestion. In their case it would have been better, or "more" beneficial to their well-being to stick with smaller portions and, in so doing, not be sick later on.
Comments (3)
I know how you feel, Bethany, I hate having to look up things I know that I should have already committed to memory. It's just that when there are so many things to stuff in, it's easy for some of the less-used ideas to fall out. By the way, I really like you example of paradox. It made me think of the Charmin toilet paper commercials, a product that the person in your example might like to keep in mind.
Posted by Erica Gearhart | February 4, 2009 3:09 PM
Posted on February 4, 2009 15:09
Refresher courses are always necessary, even riding a bike is something one is never supposed to forget how to do, but last summer I tried, and it definitely was not a situation in which I did not have to practice again just to keep control.
Posted by James Lohr | February 5, 2009 4:11 PM
Posted on February 5, 2009 16:11
I feel the same way about always having to look the same words up over and over again. I know they're important, but I can never remember them at all or I confuse them with another term.
Posted by Katie Vann | February 5, 2009 5:13 PM
Posted on February 5, 2009 17:13